Dr Michael Tidi, Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, has congratulated Professor Gabriel Godini Darah, former Chairman Guardian Editorial Board, Resource Control and Fiscal Federalism Advocate and renowned Professor of English and Literary Studies, as he celebrates his 74th birth anniversary today November 22, 2021.

Tidi, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Francis Sadhere, described Prof. Darah, who is also the Delta State chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), as one of those Niger Delta leaders who fought vehemently for the struggle of resource control and 13 per cent derivation for the Niger Delta people.

He said Prof. Darah’s astute contributions to the intellectual and socio-cultural advancement of the Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria has inspired so many youths in the country.

While lauding the wonderful contributions of the former Chief of Staff at Delta State Government House for his scholarly and journalistic contributions which gave birth to the 13 percent derivation principle, Tidi said the people of the region owe him a great debt of gratitude.

Tidi noted that, as a pioneer scholar of Udje performance poetry of the Niger Delta and founding president of the Nigeria Oral Literature Association (NOLA), Darah’s insights into a wide range of academic endeavours has contributed to his commitment to the development of scholarship and culture.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Warri South Council Area, I felicitate with a Professor of English per excellence, the Ogberianrien (the giant of knowledge) of Ughievwen Kingdom, Prof. Godini Gabriel Darah on the occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary celebration.

“Happy Birthday to you sir, we’re blessed to have a person that put so much sacrifice into research to make life easier for others.

“You have a lot in common with breakthrough, you’re so synonymous, because everything you lay your hands on is always a success.

“The life of professors is quite boring to others but lively to themselves, because they spend too much time on research and it’s boring to others but joyful to them.

“With so much joy in my heart, I wish you a very happy birthday.
74 years on earth is such a blessing and I am so happy that you have that. I pray that you have an excellent year ahead filled with love and happiness. Happy birthday Prof!,” Tidi said.